Plainly is a free tool. It is not part of any government agency.

Plain words

HCBS waiver

Also called: Home and Community-Based Services waiver, 1915(c) waiver

Last reviewed 2026-07-08

An HCBS waiver lets Medicaid pay for care at home or in the community. This is an option instead of requiring someone to live in a nursing home.

The state limits the number of people it can serve under a given waiver, so some states keep a waiting list. Services can include things like personal care, respite for family caregivers, or home modifications. Each waiver has its own list of covered services and its own rules.

This word shows up in long term care Medicaid materials, often followed by a program name and a waiting list note.

only to beneficiaries who the agency determines would, in the absence of these services, require the Medicaid covered level of care

From Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (e-CFR mirror)Retrieved 2026-07-08

Programs

This word shows up in real letters. Start with your letter

Related words

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-07-08

Back to the glossary